Challenges Faced by Aaron Rodgers: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Aaron Rodgers faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Aaron Rodgers is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Previously, he played college football at the University of California, where he set school records for low interception rates. Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft and is widely considered one of the greatest and most talented quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

November 19, 2006: Broke Left Foot Against Patriots

On November 19, 2006, Aaron Rodgers broke his left foot while playing against the New England Patriots, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2006 season.

2008: Rodgers' most interceptions since 2008

In the 2022 season, Rodgers finished with 12 interceptions, which marked the most for Rodgers in a single season since 2008.

2010: Overtime Losses

In 2010, Rodgers led the Packers to a 2-0 start, but then lost three of their next four games, including back-to-back overtime losses, bringing Rodgers' record in overtime games to 0-5.

2011: Packers upset by Giants in Divisional Round

In 2011, the Packers were upset by the New York Giants in the Divisional Round by a score of 37–20. The 2011 Packers became the only team in NFL history to go 15–1 and not win a playoff game. Rodgers was named to the Pro Bowl for his 2011 season to go along with a First-team All-Pro honor.

2012: Packers lose to 49ers

In 2012, Rodgers and the Packers started off the season with a 30–22 loss to the 49ers. Because of the loss, Rodgers lost his bet with the music group Boyz II Men, and had to wear an Alex Smith jersey during the next week of practice.

2014: Packers lose to 49ers in Wild Card Round

In 2014, Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs, but they lost to the 49ers for the fourth consecutive time, 23–20 on a last-second field goal at Lambeau Field, in the Wild Card Round. Rodgers recorded only 177 passing yards and one touchdown pass. He was ranked No. 11 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.

2015: Down year for Rodgers

In 2015, Aaron Rodgers had a statistically down year by his standards, throwing for a career low 3,821 yards, completing only 60.7% of his passes, and finishing with a career low passer rating of 92.7. Jordy Nelson's injury-related absence contributed to the decline.

2015: Rodgers' Struggles Continue

Throughout the first five games of the 2016 season, Rodgers' struggles from the 2015 season appeared to continue, with similar completion percentages, yards per attempt, and passer ratings to his 2015 numbers, raising concerns about the causes of his performance issues.

2017: Rodgers throws three interceptions in a game

In the 2022 season, Rodgers threw for 291 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions in the 15–9 loss against the Lions. It was the first time since Week 15 of the 2017 season that Rodgers threw three interceptions in a game.

2021: Rodgers struggles in season opener but recovers to lead Packers on a winning streak

In the 2021 season opener, Aaron Rodgers struggled, completing 15 of 28 passes for 133 yards and two interceptions in a 38-3 loss to the Saints. However, Rodgers and the Packers recovered, going on a seven-game winning streak after that initial loss.

2022: Rodgers leads Packers to a losing season, faces challenges

The 2022 season was challenging for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, who finished with an 8-9 record and missed the postseason. Rodgers finished the 2022 season with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

2024: Rodgers completes the 2024 season with the Jets

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers led the Jets, and despite dealing with injuries, he broke an NFL record for a 34-game drought without a 300-yard passing performance. Rodgers finished the 2024 season with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

2024: Rodgers' Season-Ending Injury and Recovery Efforts

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during his debut game with the Jets and underwent surgery. The New York Jets opened the 21-day practice window for Rodgers, but he was ultimately not cleared to play. Despite missing most of the season, he was ranked 92nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.

2024: Rodgers returns to football after injury

In 2024, after missing most of the previous season due to an Achilles injury, Aaron Rodgers made his return in Week 1. In Week 5 in London, Rodgers reached 60,000 passing yards and also threw three interceptions. Jets head coach Robert Saleh was unexpectedly fired after the London loss.